Acne Prevention

No woman likes to wake up in the morning and look in the mirror to find a newly formed pimple or breakout of acne. For the most part, acne is a normal part of development. However, we must do our own part to keep our faces as healthy as possible. 

Here are nine tips to prevent acne!

1. Keep your face clean. It is important (regardless the amount of acne) to wash your face daily. Use a mild cleanser and warm water. Avoid scrubbing your face with a towel or textured sponge. You do not want to cause more inflammation to your skin. 

2. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! After you wash your face, it is important to apply a moisturizer! Moisturizing prevents excessive dryness or oiliness, keeps your skin young, and reduces skin problems. 

3. Use makeup sparingly. Avoid wearing a lot of makeup, especially during a breakout, and be sure to wash it off every night. Try to buy makeup products that are oil-free.

4. Be aware of your hair. Become familiar with the ingredients in your hair care products - they may irritate your skin if they drip onto your face. It is also important to wash your hair regularly; the oil from your hair can transfer to your face.

5. Don’t touch your face. Throughout the day our hands come in contact with germs, chemicals, and different oils. When we touch our face, we transfer whatever is on our hands to our face. Do not pop or pick at your zits. This can cause further irritation and lead to scarring.

6. Protect your skin from the sun. Apply sunscreen (at least SPF 15) twenty minutes before you go outside regardless of acne. 

7. Eat healthy! Most researchers agree that foods like chocolate and chips do not cause acne. It is important though to eat lots of fruits and vegetables and whole grain foods. Some research suggests that foods with high levels of beta-carotene and vitamin A increase skin health. 

8. Exercise. Exercise is beneficial to the mind and body – including our skin. Avoid exercise clothing or equipment that may cause excessive sweating or irritation to your skin and face. Make sure you wash your face immediately after physical activity.

9. Relieve personal stress. Although stress isn’t thought to be the cause of acne, it can increase the severity of acne that is already present. Identify the stressors in your life and come up with ways to relieve those. 

In a talk entitled, “The Sanctity of the Body,” Sister Susan W. Tanner, a former General Young Women’s President, described her experience with acne as a teenager. She said, “I remember well the insecurities I felt as a teenager with a bad case of acne. I tried to care for my skin properly. My parents helped me get medical attention. For years I even went without eating chocolate and all the greasy fast foods around which teens often socialize, but with no obvious healing consequences. It was difficult for me at that time to fully appreciate this body which was giving me so much grief. But my good mother taught me a higher law. Over and over she said to me, ‘You must do everything you can to make your appearance pleasing, but the minute you walk out the door, forget yourself and start concentrating on others.’” Recognize your beauty inside and out each day. Smile in the mirror and remember who you are. Then, go out and help someone see that in themselves.

Sources:
"10 Tips for Preventing Acne." WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2013.
"3 Week Series to Healthy and Vibrant Skin: The Importance of Moisturizing." Health Tips. University of Tennessee, n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2013.
"Preventing Acne: Skin Care to Help Reduce Breakouts." WebMD. WebMD, 3 Feb. 2011. Web. 22 Apr. 2013.
"Prevention." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 21 Oct. 2011. Web. 22 Apr. 2013.
Tanner, Susan W. "The Sanctity of the Body." LDS.org. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2013.